Beware
of Overhead Power Lines
Over the years many people have been tragically electrocuted or
seriously injured when they or their equipment have come into
contact (or near contact) with overhead power lines. You do not
have to touch a power line to suffer shock or be electrocuted.
Electricity can and will jump across a gap when the voltage is
high, so those involved in the use of tipper trucks, delivery
trucks with truck mounted cranes, and high machinery need to exercise
particular care in the vicinity of overhead lines.
Anyone who comes too close to an energised overhead line is at
serious risk of injury or death. Electric current will immediately
flow through their body and they will suffer either electric shock,
be electrocuted (killed) or suffer very bad burns.
LOOK OUT, LOOK UP whenever you are involved in any activity (be
it construction, farming or leisure) near overhead power lines.
If you are involved in construction related activities you should
be aware of and implement the safety control measures set out
in the HSA Approved “Code of Practice
for Avoiding Danger from Overhead Electricity Lines”. This
Code of Practice can be downloaded from ESB Networks or from the
HSA websites - http://www.esb.ie/esbnetworks/en/safety-environment/booklets.jsp.
Implementing the necessary safety precautions could save life
or prevent a serious injury or incident.
- Never undertake any construction activity within 6 metres of
an overhead power line (10 metres if the voltage of the line is
greater than 38kV).
- Never dump spoil, rubble or topsoil under an overhead power
line. To do so would reduce the safe line to ground clearance.
Contact ESB Networks for free copies of safety DVD’s, booklets,
posters and cab stickers. ESB Networks will also provide free
hard copies of HSA Approved “Code
of Practice for Avoiding Danger from Overhead Electricity Lines”
tel. 1850 372 757 or email [email protected].
FALLEN (or low hanging) WIRES can be deadly dangerous. You must
always assume that they are live. Keep well away from them and
keep others away.
Contact ESB Networks at its 24 hour emergency number 1850 372
999 so that the situation can be made safe.
For
additional electrical safety information visit the
Safety Section of the ESB Networks website at
http://www.esb.ie/esbnetworks/en/safety-environment/booklets.jsp.
or send an e-mail to e[email protected].
